Being the less glamorous sibling can be difficult — just ask Chris Jagger. But that is what the Citroën Xsara has had to live with for most of its life. Because while its big brother the Xsara Picasso has for many years been Britain’s bestselling MPV, the same success has never come to the Xsara.

Far from being a bad car, it has many plus points, and anonymity has left it attractively undervalued. Introduced here in October 1997 as a replacement to the ZX, the Xsara is perhaps the least controversial car Citroën has made, with none of the gimmicky, garlicky characteristics of many other Citroën models.

From the outside the car has a clean, simple shape. In three-door guise Citroën rather optimistically calls it a coupé. Even in a lairy colour, sitting on fat alloys, it looks more self-conscious than sporty.

Get inside and there’s little to set the pulse racing either. The Xsara’s dashboard is simple, black and dull. On base models the equipment list is sparse with central locking, driver’s airbag and tinted glass the only items of note. Shell out about £300 more for a used LX model and you get an electric sunroof, electric front windows and remote-control central locking, making it money well spent.

Take the car for a drive and you’ll find the steering nicely weighted, the brakes strong and the suspension (despite the absence of any fancy Citroën systems) delightfully smooth. Soft and compliant on poor surfaces, it still feels sharp through bends.

Under the bonnet you’ll have a fair choice of engines. If you like petrol power then the 1.8 litre fitted to cars from 1997 to 2000 is the best. It is economical and vice-free and delivers reasonable performance. Diesels need more care. Early 1.9 litre non-turbo units are sluggish and noisy, but paying another £200 should get you the turbocharged 90bhp version. It gives quicker, smoother power and is just as economical, though check it doesn’t smoke under acceleration — the cost of replacing the turbo could be half the value of the car.

Without doubt the finest engine is the 2 litre HDi turbo diesel, introduced in October 2000, offering a choice of 90bhp or 110bhp. Noticeably more refined than the previous engines it’s also the most economical in the range with over 50mpg achievable. On the 110bhp models Citroën is almost unique in the mid-size hatchback class in also offering automatic transmission, which works well with the engine’s high torque.

Voted tow car of the year by the Caravan Club in 2001, cars with towbars or signs that one has been removed need to be inspected closely for wear, particularly on the rear suspension, clutch and brakes. Test the brakes by pulling the car up from 50mph to standstill, listening for any noise or feeling if the car pulls to one side. To test the clutch pull away in fourth — if the car doesn’t stall, the clutch is probably slipping.

Xsaras are in plentiful supply on the second-hand market. Post-2000 cars are most sought after thanks to the introduction of the HDi engines and the facelift that gave larger headlamps and revised bumpers.

With its replacement, the funky C4, due later this year, the passing of the Xsara could signal the end of the “conservative” years for Citroën. But like school dinners, in their absence they may be remembered with some fondness.

VITAL STATISTICS

Model: Citroën Xsara 2.0 HDi 110 LX 5dr
Engine type: Four-cylinder, 1997cc
Power: 110bhp
Transmission: Five-speed manual
Fuel: 54.3mpg (combined)
Acceleration: 0-62mph: 11.1sec
Top speed: 120mph

Colours: Gold and some bright blues are less desirable

Remote central locking: Standard only on LX and SX models — check system works on all doors and tailgate

Boot space: Surprisingly large, even on three-door model

Exhaust: Blue exhaust smoke can signal a worn turbocharger

Towbar: The Xsara is popular with caravanners so check for sagging suspension, slipping clutch, clashing gearchanges and worn brakes

Spare wheel: Stored in cradle under boot floor, so can be a target for theft — check it's present

Estate: Xsara estate introduced in April 1998; pretty and handles as well as hatchback

Safety: Lateral airbags standard on post-October 1998 cars

Corrosion warranty: 12-year body warranty from September 1999

Service history: Essential as clocked cars easily disguise high mileages

CD changer: An optional extra, mounted on boot floor, so it intrudes on luggage area

Steering wheel: Adjustable for both reach and height

Headlamp adjustment: Prone to electrical failure, so check it works

Clutch: Release bearing on HDi cars can fail at around 30,000 miles

Timing belt pulley: Needs replacing at 60,000 miles at same time as timing belt

Fuel gauges: Some owners report incorrect level indications

Engine: Avoid 1.9 non-turbo diesels — slow and noisy with no better economy than turbo versions or later 2.0 HDi

THE ONE TO BUY

Citroën Xsara 2.0 HDi 110 LX 5dr five-speed manual, 2001 Y-reg with 30,000 miles. Pay £5,875 at a dealer with 12-month warranty, or £5,000 privately

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OR FOR SIMILAR MONEY...

2000 X-reg Ford Focus 1.8 TDdi LX
2001 Y-reg Peugeot 307 HDi Style
2001 Y-reg Renault Mégane 1.9 dCi Privilege
2001 Y-reg Vauxhall Astra 1.7 DTi LS
2003 52-reg Fiat Punto 1.9 JTD Dynamic

VALUES



The 2.0HDi 90bhp diesel model is worth £350 less than the 110bhp one. The equivalent SX model is worth £600 more than an LX. Source: estimates based on confidential CAP black book prices. ‘Trade’ is what a dealer would pay to buy your car; ‘Retail’ is what you would pay a dealer.